Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1887-04-04
Lincoln in 1854.

verbatim rep0rt.-ErcHunge
Lincoln in 1854.
But now a new actor came forward
on the political stage in central Illi-
nois or rather, an old favotite re-
appeared. This was Abraham Lin
coin. Since his return to Springfield
from his single term of service in
Congress, 1847 to 1849, though by
no means entirely withdrawn from
politics, his active work had been
greatly diminished. His congression-
al life had largely increased the hori-
zon of his observation. Perhaps it
had also extended the bounds of his
ambition. He had doubtless discov-
cred many of his own defects, and
not unlikely had diligently sought to
remedy them. The period following
had for him been years of study,work
and reflection. His profession of
law had become a deeper science and
a higher responsibility. His practice,
receiving his individual attention,
brought him more important and more
remunerative cases. Losing nothing
of his genial humor, his character
took on the dignity of graver man
hood. He was still the center and
the idol of every social group he en-
countered, whether on the street or
in the parlor. Serene aud buoyant
of temper, cordial and winning of
language, charitable and tolerant OF
opinion, his very presence diffused a
glow Of confidence and kindness.
Wherever he went he left an ever
widening ripple of smiles, jests and
laughter. His radiant good fellow
ship was beloved and sought alike by
political opponents and partisan
friends. His sturdy and delicate in
tegrity, recognized far and wide, had
long since won him the blunt but
hearty sobriquet of"Honest Old Abe. ."
But it became noticeable that of late
years he was less among the crowd
and more in the solitude of his office
or his study, and that he seemed ever
in haste to leave the eager circle he
was entertaining.
1t was in the midsummer of 1854
that we find him re-appearing on the
stump in central Illinois. The rural
population ALWAYS welcomed his ora
tory, made up of ready wit, apt il
lustration, simple statement, forcible
| logic His diction was familiar TO
the ear, his stories were racy Of the
soil. He never lacked for invitations
! to address the public. His first
speeches on the new and all-absorb-
ing topic were made in the neighbor-
| ing towns, and in the counties adj
| Joining his own. Towards the end
of August the candidates for congress
in that district were, in Western
phrase, son the track" Yates, af-
terwards one of the famous ''war
governors, sought reelection as a
whig. Harris as a Douglas-democrat
strove TO supplant him. Local poll
tics became active, and Lincoln was
sent for in all directions to address
the people. When he went, however,
he distinctly announced that be did
not purpose to take mp his time with
personal and congressional cOntro-
versy. His intention was 70 discuss
the principles OF the Nebraska bill.
Once launched upon this theme
men were surprised 20 find him i'm
bued Will. a- sd unwonted seri-
business. They heard from his lips
fewer anecdotes and more history.
Careless listeners who came - laugh
at his Jokes sat spell-bOund by the
strong current OF his reasoning and
the flashes Of his earnest eloquence, ,
and were lifted up by the range aud
tenor Of his argument into a fresher
and purer political atmosphere
Ceatary.
Jsues Pyls's PesUiss l. universally spprored
b. tose xEo ufs il for arulnsble cleansing pro-
persies and tsss Esiisfit @ords IA washing clothes